Sea lions in captivity can experience good welfare when training programmes are behaviour-based and positive, but perform poorly when confined without adequate mental and physical stimulation.
Sea lion welfare in captivity depends on turning their high intelligence into an asset rather than a liability. Intelligent animals in barren environments develop stereotypies; the same animals in enriched training environments show curiosity, engagement, and improved welfare indicators. Modern zoo sea lion programmes use protected contact management, positive reinforcement training for veterinary procedures, and complex pool environments with flow, depth variation, and enrichment items to support welfare across all behavioural domains.